Move Over Chaiwala, This Parantha Maker May Soon Play For The Pakistani Cricket Team

Cricket is arguably one of the most popular and highly sought after sports in the South Asian region. The sight of young kids mastering the art of batting or bowling in the streets is a common sight. But, no country in the subcontinent has been blessed with the abundance of raw talent, the way Pakistan has over the years.

Amid adversities in a country like Pakistan, coaching from an early age is not an option for budding cricketers. Rather they are reliant on raw talent coming through to help in the progress of their national team.

Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar is a classic example. Akhtar, who was regarded as the fastest bowler in the world, rose from penury and virtual illiteracy to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Mohammad Irfan had a similar story where his raw talent helped him rise through the ranks in the national team.

And, it seems that Pakistan - the land of outrageous pace bowlers - has found another raw talent in a local parantha maker. Hanan Khan, deemed an upcoming talent in the bowling department, has been picked to represent Pakistan's NCA XI side to play two T20 matches against a Malaysian side on 14-15 January at the Gadafi stadium in Lahore.

A 19-year-old budding star, who aims to don Pakistani jersey in near future, makes paranthas at a roadside diner in Karachi to support his career. Ecstatic about his selection for the NCA side, Hanan also revealed that he was not sure whether the call was for real.

“When I was first informed by NCA about my selection, I couldn’t believe it. I suspected it was a prank call, so I called them back to make sure that someone’s not messing with me. I am incredibly happy to get this chance,” Hanan was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

He also expressed his gratitude towards the selectors for putting theirfaith in him. “I belong to a region where cricket is not played that much but still the selectors come, watch emerging players and give them chances,” he said.

Earlier, a blue-eyed Pakistani chaiwala made headlines for his incredibly good looks. The 18-year-old, Arshad Khan, was photographed pouring tea at Islamabad's Sunday Bazaar. His popularity on social media earned him a modelling contract with an online shopping website based in Islamabad.